No, it's not really. I have copies of her records, from many years ago. "Voices from Xtabay" remains a cult classic. Yma was truly before her time, and would fit in today as part Cyndy Lauper and part Sun Ra. She'll be missed.

Dana5140 beat me to the punch! I was going to say, respectfully (of course), "oh no it's not!" Cultural and pop-cultural referencing is one of the most delightful aspects of Joss-ness and this whole fandom. Don't you realize how groovy you all are and how much there is to learn and delight in here? Keep this kind of thing coming. We love it! (Though in this case we are very sorry to hear of the loss...)

I agree with Litwal. Sad as it is, any random episode of Buffy has so many pop culture references. We don't want this to become "The News Site for Everything Whedony And Also Everything Else." I mean, what has Joss not referenced?

I think the Brinkley post was pushing it already, and Spike's Sumac line is arguably much more obscure and less frequently quoted. Was Whedonesque.org an option when the Brinkley link was posted? Because I think that's the better spot for that and this.

Personally, the first thing I thought of when I saw Yma Sumac's name in the obituary was Spike - maybe I've watched the episode too many times. I figured there might be people who'd heard the reference but had never known who she was and might find it interesting. Not sure why so many people are up in arms about how relevant it is... but whatever. Carry on.

Kirochka, thanks for the link. I always wonder who is Yma Sumac when I watch Once More with Feeling but then forget to look it up afterwards. Now, thanks to you, I know. I'll have to check out her music. Interesting link.

I, too, appreciate the link. I have been checking out her songs (in 30 second snippets) on iTunes and it has been a treat! I especially got a kick out of her version of Wimoweh (AKA The Lion Sleeps Tonight).

I think this one's a gem. I would have never noticed or thought of it had you not pointed it out, even if I saw the obit. How goofy! Also, I never cease to be amazed by the far reaching references in the Buffyverse. It's like Gravity's Rainbow or something.

Someone mentioned pop-cultural references and I think the references in all the shows are mostly timeless. That's one of the things that make the shows smart. And its nice that the writers never cram it down your throat. It's always an off hand comment or subtle remark. Can you picture Spike replacing Yma's name with Christina Aguilera or Britney Spears because they were popular when the episode aired?

While I agree that it is a stretch, Yma was an interesting person, and it is an interesting article.

In related news, on Saturday Manchester United visit Arsenal in the Premier League's feature match. Spike in Becoming, Part Two: "The truth is, I like this world. You've got - the dog racing, Manchester United, and you've got people: billions of people walking around like Happy Meals with legs."

Before this post goes "dead" I'd just like to make one further point.... Exclusivity really bums me out. I've read on this forum many times the idea that ONE of the things that sort of defines this fandom is quirky-outsider-not-quite-fitting-inness that JW is so great at capturing and what so many of us are attracted to and comforted by. This is a case where, while I can understand the objections to relevance intellectually, it hurts my heart because it relates to the passing of an artist who received a "nod" by her fellow artists and - dang - if this is not the forum to at least acknowledge her passing, well how lame are we? If it's OK to acknowledge and post every tiny career movement of any actor or writer who was ever associated with the various Whedon-verses (which I love!) then we can surely be open enough to handle a single goodbye. Yes? Now I've had my say and am going to sleep. Love waves to all....

My BF and I saw Yma Sumac at a little dinner club in L.A. back in the 80s. It was amazingly cool.
I had no idea she passed today.
She brought a lot of joy to people and it's great that her work still lives on.

No, it's not really. I have copies of her records, from many years ago. "Voices from Xtabay" remains a cult classic. Yma was truly before her time, and would fit in today as part Cyndy Lauper and part Sun Ra. She'll be missed.

Oh SNAP! Did you namedrop SUN RA????
I bow down to your culty knowledge. I saw Sun Ra in L.A. too. And I have record albums by both Sun Ra and Sumac.

I could understand if the Spike quote was from some *other* episode but I think it's safe to say that Once More With Feeling is probably one of the most watched episodes by fans and newbies alike. So...I see NO problem with this reference. Otherwise I wouldn't have known of Yma's death. Sad about her passing, but great that she can live on through Joss's writing.....and of course her music.